Guidance - Translocation of beavers in Scotland

Policy Summary

What is translocation? 

Translocation involves people moving living organisms from one area to another. For beavers it would usually involve trapping animals and releasing them into another area. Given their status as European Protected Species any translocation of beavers in Scotland would require a licence from NatureScot. 

When might there be an opportunity for the translocation of beavers?

Opportunities to translocate beavers might arise in the following situations;

• Management translocation: Where the presence of beavers is causing adverse impacts to other interests (e.g. human-wildlife conflict) and there is a need to intervene.
• Conservation translocation: Where a proposal has come forward to relocate beavers to support a conservation project (e.g. a reintroduction).   
• Welfare translocation: Where sick, injured or orphaned beavers are rescued and rehabilitated, but have to be released away from where they were found.

What are the benefits and risks of translocation?

Translocation has the potential to be used to help alleviate impacts that beavers may be causing to particular interests, to support conservation projects or to do both. Whilst knowledge and experience of translocation methods is improving, the process is not without risks, including to the welfare of the animals themselves. The process requires expert input, specialist equipment and facilities as well as significant time and effort. 

Given the above, any proposal for translocation needs careful consideration. 

For further guidance see our Beavers in Scotland - Conservation translocation guidance for applicants, consultees and interested parties page.